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Sunday, 13 November 2016

I am a big fan of mint leaves and always grow fresh mint plant in small pots at home. Mint leaves are popularly called Pudina in Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi & Marathi, Pudhina ilai in Tamil, Pudina Akulu in Telugu, Pudina Elegalu in Kannada, Putina Ila in Malayalam and Phodina in Gujarati. I love to use this wonderful aromatic herb both in my cooking and for beauty purposes. Mint is one herb that has been used from ancient times both for medicinal and beauty purposes. There are many species of mint and we also get many hybrid varieties and they all belong to the genus Mentha. Regardless of the variety, all the species smell amazingly good and fresh. The botanical name of the type of mint found in India is called Mentha Arvensis. Since mint plant grows like weed and needs very little maintenance, it can be found easily all over the world. Mint have anti allergic, anti inflammatory, antioxidant, anti ulcer, anti bacterial, anti microbial, anti depressant, anti cancer, radio protective, analgesic and anti allergic properties.Nutritional Value:100 grams of mint contains around 48 calories, 200 mg of calcium, 15. 6 mg of iron, 27 mg of vitamin c and .26 gm of riboflavin. Mint leaves contains around 4.8 % protein, very tiny amount of fat, 2% fiber and 5.8 % carbohydrates. In addition to the vitamins mentioned, they also contain vitamin D and E. A volatile oil also is obtained by stem distilling mint leaves, it is called mint oil. Mint oil, like the fresh mint leaves have wonderful medicinal and beauty uses, it is especially used extensively in traditional medicines as a carminative. Here are some of the medicinal uses of mint leaves: 1. For Stomach Problems: Fresh mint leaves are full of antioxidants and has a soothing effect on the stomach and can be used as a remedy for stomach cramps, indigestion, ulcers and irritable bowel syndrome. Mint is also good appetizer, last week we had gone to a small place that serves good food. We were served fresh mint soup as an appetizer and I loved it to the core, I remember thinking what a wonderful appetizer mint is. Mint tea is one of the best remedies for indigestion, drink a cup of mint tea whenever you suffer from indigestion. 2. For Oral Problems: Mint extract is the number one ingredient used in toothpastes and mouth washes for it's wonderful refreshing taste and also due its anti bacterial properties. At home, I boil mint leaves with sea salt and use it as a mouthwash, works really well as a mouth wash. 3. For Glowing Skin: Mint is one the best herbs to use for skin care. It bleaches the skin naturally resulting in brighter skin instantly. It also fights of acne causing bacteria but when we apply fresh mint paste it causes burning sensation so if you have sensitive skin, please do patch test before applying it on the skin. 4. For Immunity: Mint leaves are packed full of nutrients and vitamins and also is rich in antioxidants. Regular intake of mint leaves will improve immunity greatly. 5. For Cough & Cold: Menthol found in the mint leaves helps open up nasal passages and it is also greatly comforting to drink mint tea when we have a cold or cough. 7. For Aches & Pain: Mint tea is also a good remedy for treating body ache, headache and since it has anti spasmodic properties, it also reduces menstrual pain. Along with the above uses, consuming mint also fights off fatigue and depression and improves our mood, prevents nausea, allergies and asthma. The best way to use mint is in it's fresh form, plucked fresh from the plant. But if you don't get fresh leaves, you can also try the dried leaves or the mint powder we get in the shops. You can also powder your own by shade drying the leaves and powdering in a dry mixer.In addition to the recipes given below, you can also chew on fresh mint leaves to prevent nausea and freshen up the breath. Also we can add fresh mint leaves to water to make mint water (pudina water). If you don't like to drink plain water try mint water, I am sure you will like it.Mint Leaves Side Effects: If you are allergic to mint consuming it can cause adverse reactions. Also make sure not to apply mint oil directly on the skin of infants and children and definitely never apply on the face as the strong smell can cause difficulty breathing. If you are suffering gall bladder and liver problems consult with your physician before taking mint tea on a regular basis.

This homemade salt and mint tooth powder recipe is excellent in preventing tooth decay and helps fight mouth odor very effectively. Mint has natural antibacterial properties and used as a tooth powder like this without any chemical additives, it is very effective. To make this homemade tooth powder, first collect fresh mint that are not sprayed with pesticides. Spread it on a plate and sun dry it still crisp. Take the common crystal salt that we use for cooking and powder it finely in a mortar and pestle. Once it is pounded well, add the dried mint leaves and pound every thing together till it becomes a fine powder. This powder can be stored for weeks in a glass bottle. To use, take the required amount of powder in a small cup. Wet your tooth brush in water and dip it in the powder and brush your mouth and rinse off. This powder whitens the teeth naturally and freshens your breath.

2. Pudina | Mint Tea For Cough, Cold & Acidity:

Mint tea is so refreshing and it also a wonderful remedy for so many ailments. It aids digestion, soothes irritated stomach and sore throat, reduces acidity, bloating, gasand menstrual pain and is also a good remedy for allergies and acne. To make the tea, take either fresh or dried leaves in a cup and pour boiling water on top and steep. You can sweeten with honey, if you prefer. This is the basic tea recipe, but you can modify it by including green tea, lemon, etc...3. Mint | Pudina For Lips:

Mint is a very good dark lip lightener and is a great ingredient for applying on the lips. I like to mix fresh mint juice with pure honey for applying on the lips. For the remedy, extract fresh mint juice by grinding fresh mint leaves in dry mixer along with little water. For a tsp of the juice, add 1/4 tsp honey, mix well and apply on the lips.

Though I have tried many natural bleach recipes over the years, this recipe remains my favorite and I use it often on my face. This bleach has got only two ingredients- fresh mint leaves and fresh yogurt. This bleach removes dirt and grime on the skin and lightens the skin tone, if used regularly. A word of caution here: This mixture really burns once you apply it on the face but it really bleaches your skin. If you have a sensitive skin stay away from this natural bleach. Fresh mint leaves are excellent for bleaching the skin and yogurt actually reduces the burning sensation and conditions the skin. You can find the recipe with step by step pictures here.

5. Pudina | Mint Juice For Weight Loss & Glowing Skin:

Mint juice is one of the best refreshing juices we can have during hot summer months. It is packed with vitamins and minerals. I like to serve it before lunch or dinner, a healthy alternative to commercial juices. To make the juice, Take half a cup of fresh mint in the mixer along with a tsp of fresh lemon juice, 1/4'th tsp of black salt (kala namak) along with a cup of chilled water and blend. Strain and add honey to taste. This drink can be included in a weight loss diet. 6. Pudina | Mint & lemon Hair Pack For Dandruff:

Mint and lemon make a wonderful combination in getting rid of dandruff naturally. For the remedy, extract fresh mint juice by grinding fresh mint leaves along with little water. Strain and add equal quantities of lemon juice to it. Apply this mixture all over the scalp, wait for 10 minutes before washing it off.7. Pudina | Mint Mouth Wash:

This mouth wash helps get rid of mouth odor very effectively. It can also be used as a gargle for treating sore throat. To make it, boil a cup of water along with a handful of mint leaves and 1/2 tsp of sea salt. Once the color of the water changes, switch off, let cool and strain.

Ramya when I make hairoil from green awala - just grind it and put it in oil in an iron Kadhai. I put it in the sun for 4-5 days . The oil turned black . Is this ok ? Can we use this oil .... for my child. Thanks. Padma.

First of all a very very nice blog. Kudos to u for this. I just had some queries. Can the mint and lemon pack for dandruff used if u have heavy hairfall and sinus infection? Can I use the pack for my girls aged 10 and 7. They have heavy dandruff and also some hairfall. We live in London and I think dandruff is due to the cold weather.

Hi Ramya. I have made a hair oil of green awala. I crushed them and put it in an iron Kadhai with the coconut oil. And I put the Kadhai in the sun for10 days.... I saw the awala turning black .... is this ok or am I wrong in using green awala in an iron Kadhai.. please help. Regards Padma.